Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-02-02

only that his honor was now involved he
would have withdrawn from the enterprise.
There was still chance of reasserting him
self at the station, where he was known,
and where some authority might be deputed
: to HIM -.
But even this prospect failed. The station,
half hotel and half stable, contained only the
landlord, who was also express agent, and the
new volunteer whom Clinch had suggested
would be found among the stable men. The
nearest justice Of the peace was ten miles
away, and Hale had to abandon even his
hope of being sworn in as deputy constable.
This introduction Of common and illiterate
ostler into the party on equal terms with
himself did not add to his satisfaction, and a
remark from Rawlins seemed to complete
his embarrassment.
aye had mighty narrer escape down
there just now." said that gentleman conf
dentially, as Hale buckled his saddle girths.
II thought, as we were not supposed to
defend ourselves, there was no danger" said
Hale scornfully.
"Oh, don't mean them road agents. But
him"
"Whos"
"Kernel Clinch. You jist ez good as al
lowed he hadn't any grit"
"Whatever said, I suppose am respon-
sible for it," answered Hale haughtily.
"Thats what gifts me" was the imperturb-
able reply. "He's the best shot in southern
California, and hez let daylight through a
dozen chaps afore now for half what you
said"
"Indeed"
"Howsummever," continued Rawlins, phil
osophically, acz he's included to go with ye
instead of for ye, you're likely to hev your
ideas on this matter carried out up to the
handle. He'll make short work OF it, you
bet. Ef ez suspect, the leader is all airy
young feller from Frisco, who hez took to the
road lately, Clinch hez got a personal grudge
agin him from quarrel over draw poker"
This was the last blow to Hale's ideal cru
SADIE. Here he was-an honest, respectable
citizen-engaged as simple accessory to a
lawless vendetta originating at gambling
table! When the fist shock was over that
grim philosophy which is the reaction of all
imaginative and sensitive natures came to his
aid. He felt better; oddly enough he began
to be conscious that he was thinking and act
ing like his companions. With this feeling a
vague sympathy, before absent, family
showed itself in their actions. The Sharpe's
rifle put into his hands by the stableman was
accompanied by familiar word of sugges-
ton as to an equal, which he was ashamed to
End aatteredhim. He was able to continue
the conversation with Rawlins more coolly.
"Then you suspect who is the leader"
"Only on giniral principles. There was a
finer touch, so to speak, in this yer robbery
that wasn't in the old fashioned style. Down
in my country they he'd crude ideas about
them things-used to strip the passengers Of
everything, includin' their clothes. They say
that at the station hotels, when the coaches
came in, the folks used to stand round with
blankets to wrap up the passengers so ez not to
skeer the wimcn Thar's a story that the
driver and express manager drove up one day
with only a copy Of The Atty Californy
wrapped around 'em; but thin," added Raw.
Inns grimly, ''there was folks ez said the hull
story was only an advertisement got up for
The Atty"
"Time's up
."Ar" you ready, gentlemenl' said Col
Clinch.
Hale started. He had forgotten his wife
and family at Eagles Court, ten miles away.
They would bc alarmed at his absence, would
perhaps hear some exaggerated version OF the
stage coach robbery and fear the worst.
is there any way could send line to
Eagles Court before daybreak" be asked
eagerly.
The station was already drained Of its
spare men and horses. The undenominated
passenger stepped forward and offered to
take it himself when his business, which he
would dispatch as quickly as possible, was
concluded.
"That amt bad idea," said Clinch, re-
Aectively, "for cf yer hurry you'll head 'em
off in case they scent US, and try to double
back OH the North ridge. They'll fight shy
of the trail if they see anybody on it, and
one mans as good as q dozen"
Hale could not help thinking that he
might have been that one man, and had bis
opportunity for independent action but for
his rash proposal, but it was too late to with
draw now. Ho hastily scribbcd few lines
to his wife on sheet of the cation paper,
handed it to the man, and took his place in
the little cavalcade as it filed silently down
the road